How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Wyoming - WY | Veterinary Assistant Schools in Wyoming

Starting out a career as a veterinary assistant in Wyoming involves the following five steps.

Meet Wyoming Education Requirements
Find a Veterinary Assistant Training Program
How to Become an Approved Veterinary Assistant in Wyoming
What’s After Schooling or Becoming an AVA?
Advancement Opportunities and Continuing Education for Wyoming Veterinary Assistants

Veterinary Assistant Careers in Wyoming

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has calculated the average salary of a Wyoming veterinary assistant at $28,680 per year. However, there is a lot of fluctuation among individual salaries because Wyoming has the smallest population of veterinary assistants of any state in the country. Vet assistants in the cities of Casper, Laramie and Rock Springs report average salaries over $27,000 annually. Furthermore, job availability is starting to increase and that has stemmed from the need for more veterinary assistants throughout the state. Because there are many rural areas in Wyoming, there has been a growing need for large animal veterinary assistants. The clientele of Wyoming veterinarians is not the same as it is in other states. This offers veterinary assistants different options from what may be available in other parts of the country. There is also stability in this industry as there has not been a drop in the number of vet assistants in Wyoming in recent years.

What job duties the position of a veterinary assistant may include:

The importance of veterinary assistants in an animal healthcare setting should not be understated. A vet assistant performs a long list of tasks that are extremely helpful to veterinarians, vet techs and pet owners. Being involved in so many facets of the job has allowed vet assistants to extend their skillset so that it impacts a lot of different people, in addition to the animals that are receiving care. The everyday job duties also make for an interesting and exciting profession that never succumbs to dullness or monotony.

A quick look at a host of veterinary assistant responsibilities:

Dealing with clients upon arrival and departure
Coordinating and scheduling appointments
Initiating records requests to other vet facilities
Inventory control
Sanitizing surgery tools and operating rooms
Cleaning and disinfecting animal cages
Post-operative care
Helping vets fill prescriptions
Prepping exam rooms
Maintaining updated medical records
Animal restraining
Animal exercising duties

These are just some of the responsibilities that make the job of a Wyoming veterinary assistant an essential part of animal healthcare.

1. Meet Wyoming Education Requirements

In Wyoming, there is no minimum education level required to start a career as a veterinary assistant. Some vet practices will recommend a high school diploma or GED equivalency when posting a job listing. However, completing a veterinary assistant education program will take precedence over either of those academic qualifications. Vet practices are looking for vet assistants who can perform tasks specific to the job and those skills can be acquired through a veterinary assistant education program. A Wyoming veterinary assistant training program is designed by each individual institution. Most programs have on-campus and online options. Wyoming has not instituted a mandatory requirement for veterinary assistants to earn an AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant) or distinction. However, those who do hold an AVA generally find more job opportunities and advantages in the veterinary field.

2. Find a Veterinary Assistant Training Program

A veterinary assistant training program in Wyoming offers detailed instruction on every facet of the job. This kind of training program is very specific and is designed to fast track students right into a career as a Wyoming veterinary assistant. Each training program is equipped with a full curriculum that is taught by experienced instructors, who have worked as veterinary assistants. The instruction introduces students to the relevant concepts they will need to master before they start working in a veterinary practice, clinic or hospital.
Instruction focuses on the proper way to identify different breeds, lifting and restraining techniques, an introduction to medical terminology, methods used to administer medications, the safe handling of chemicals and much more.

A few veterinary assistant campus and online programs in Wyoming:

Eastern Wyoming College

3200 West C Street

Torrington, WY 82240

Phone 866-327-8996

Northwest College

231 West 6th Street

Powell, Wyoming, 82435

Phone: 800-560-4692

Western Wyoming Community College

Green River

#1 College Way

Green River, WY 82935

Phone: (307) 382-1600

Finding a NAVTA approved program:

To enhance the overall veterinary assistant profession, the NAVTA created the first-ever veterinary assistant approval program in 2010. This program recognizes veterinary assistant programs that have become the leaders in this area. For those interested in finding out more information about an NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant Program, a full list can be found here. There are now 36 approved programs throughout the U.S. and Canada, in addition to 4 approved online programs. Wyoming does not currently have a NAVTA accredited program.

3. How to Become an Approved Veterinary Assistant in Wyoming

Becoming an approved veterinary assistant in Wyoming can be done in a variety of ways. There is no experience level required to attain this distinction. The VetMedTeam provides three options for veterinary assistants and each one caters to a different experience level. Novice veterinary assistants can take advantage of an option designed specifically for them. The subsequent section provides a thorough and detailed look at how to become an approved Wyoming veterinary assistant.

What is a Wyoming approved veterinary assistant (AVA)?

The Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) distinction is a national certificate awarded to veterinary assistants.

What are the approved available options by the NAVTA in Wyoming?

Externship Option: This option is used by those who are not employed in a veterinary practice, but are looking for employment. The function of this option is to give on-site training and instruction which many vet practices are now requiring.
Experiential Learner: This option is for the working veterinary assistant in Wyoming. There is an employment quota of working in a full-service veterinary practice for 20 hours or more on a weekly basis.
Veterinary Assistant Program: This option is for Wyoming veterinary assistants who already have employment in a full-service veterinary practice. There is also a minimum of 20 work hours per week.

Once you complete an approved option.

Meeting all the specified requirements of an approved option allows you to test for the AVA examination that applies to the option you have completed. A code is issued, which allows you to set the terms and conditions to take your exam.

After passing the approved veterinary assistant examination in Wyoming.

Once an exam is finished and a passing score is issued, processing will start immediately and you will soon receive a certificate. Congratulations come next as you have officially become an approved Wyoming veterinary assistant.

Staying current as a Wyoming AVA.

Your Wyoming AVA certification needs to be renewed every 2 years. You must also provide proof of ongoing education hours over the next 2 year-span.

4. What’s After Schooling or Becoming an AVA?

Once you have satisfied each requirement to become an approved veterinary assistant in Wyoming, you can use it to your advantage. An AVA can be used when applying for new jobs or negotiating pay. Having an AVA shows veterinary practices that you are serious about putting in the time and effort that is needed to be among the elite in that profession. It also provides a form of assurance to veterinary practices who are looking to add a new hire. The job search can become a lot easier when you carry an AVA distinction. Here is a glance at a sampling of potential employers located within the state of Wyoming.

Potential Veterinary Assistant Employers in Wyoming:

Wyoming State Veterinary Medical Association

The WYVMA provides a wealth of resources for veterinary assistants and also provides job listings. This is a way of connecting veterinary assistants with other important members of the industry.

WYVMA

Phone: 800.272.1813

Fax: 877.334.2565

Email: [email protected]

Wyoming Animal Hospitals

The state of Wyoming does not have nationwide animal hospitals that populate a portion of other states. Mostly all the veterinary hospitals, practices and clinics in Wyoming are individually owned and operated. Here is a look at some of the Wyoming animal healthcare facilities throughout the state.

Rocky Mountain Animal Hospital

1551 Centennial Ct

Casper, WY 82609

Phone: (307) 472-5105

Desert View Animal Hospital

40 Elk St

Rock Springs, WY 82901

Phone: (307) 362-3184

Alpine Animal Hospital

830 Skyline Rd

Laramie, WY 82070

Phone: (307) 745-7341

Casper Animal Medical Center

4700 S Valley Rd

Casper, WY 82604

Phone: (307) 237-8387

Those who are inexperienced in working with animals can turn to the alternative of volunteering or finding an internship, which will be an asset when searching for employment.

5. Advancement Opportunities and Continuing Education for Wyoming Veterinary Assistants

If you work as a veterinary assistant in Wyoming, but have not earned the status of an approved veterinary assistant (AVA), then it may be time to start advancing your professional career. When you become an approved veterinary assistant, it provides you with an extra level of credibility in the Wyoming veterinary community.

This may also be the opportunity to climb through the ranks of the animal healthcare profession. A future as a veterinary technician could be next in your career as it is the next logical step to take on the upward path through the veterinary field.

Veterinary Assistant Resources in Wyoming

VetMedTeam

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Wyoming Humane Society

Wyoming Veterinary Medical Association

Wyoming Veterinary Technician Association

Wyoming State Livestock Board

Steps on How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Wyoming